Our 3-Step Escape Plan

  • First Escape Route
  • Second Escape Route
  • Meeting Place
Notes

Use this space to note any additional information about your escape plan, i.e. who will assist

Your checklist

  • Get low

    Smoke is poisonous and more deadly than flames.

    If you breathe smoke for more than a few breaths it can kill you.

  • Be fast

    A house fire can kill you in less than three minutes.

    Don't spend time trying to save possessions.

  • Close doors

    A closed door buys you time.

    It slows down the spread of fire, giving you more time to get to safety.

  • Get out - stay out!

    People have died by going back into a fire.

    Don't leave the meeting place to go back inside for any reason.

Call emergency services as soon as you are out and safe. Ask for FIRE.

Clearly state your address and let the operator know it anyone is still inside or has not made it to the safe meeting place.

Emergency call 111 Emergency text 111
Fire & Emergency New Zealand

Prohibited Fire Season in Otago’s Lakes Zone from Thursday

Prohibited Fire Season in Otago’s Lakes Zone from Thursday

11 March 2026

Fire and Emergency New Zealand has declared a Prohibited Fire Season for its Lakes Zone, taking effect tomorrow (Thursday 12 March) at 8am.

The zone, which covers most of the Queenstown Lakes District, is experiencing a late, long and dry “tail” to a relatively cool summer. The adjoining Central Fire Zone, which covers the Central Otago District, is already in a Prohibited Fire Season, meaning that outdoor fires are banned in most of inland Otago. 

District Commander Craig Gold says that people should not be fooled by the generally lower temperatures of this year’s Otago summer and the occasional rainy days. Vegetation in inland Otago is very dry and will burn easily, and March is predicted to be dryer than normal.

“Yesterday we had a near miss with a vegetation fire very close to houses at Arthur’s Point. Last Friday a burn-off at Arrow Junction escaped,” Commander Gold says. Both fires threatened structures, affected walking and cycling trails, and took the efforts of firefighters from several brigades plus helicopters to bring under control.

“The vegetation across the Lakes Zone is primed and ready to burn. The risks and consequences of any fire in these conditions far outweigh any benefit in terms of land management or recreation. Community safety is our primary concern and the best way we can keep the community safe in these conditions is to stop fires from starting.”

Wherever you are, go to www.checkitsalright to see what fire restrictions apply in your location. If you see any flames or smoke, call 111 straight away.

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